For today’s industry profile we delve into the strategic mind of Imogen Hewitt, head of strategy at Havas Media.
How strategic are you in your personal life? And how well does it go down with partners/friends/families?
I have friends and a family who seem to be in it for the long haul so I guess they’re ok with my tendency for critical thinking and running multiple scenarios in my head.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
There is no point answering this question because my 20-year-old self would not have listened anyway! So perhaps, if anything, I would suggest a little more listening and a little less talking. People who know me well, know I am still working on this.
Do you or have you ever played board games? Which ones are you best – or worst at – and why?
I have two children, a husband, a job I love, a house to look after, friends, neighbours, entrepreneurial aspirations and am constantly late to my own life. So, no.
Do you ever shout at managers or referees during sports on TV because their strategy is crap?
I have been known to.
What has been your favourite job in media and why?
Almost every time I have left an agency I have genuinely thought that I would never experience another job I would love so much. I’m pretty sure I described leaving one agency as harder than leaving home. Suffice to say I have been incredibly lucky when it comes to the places I have worked and the people I have worked with. People make all the difference and I have learnt so much; often from some of the absolute best. It would be much easier to tell you my least favourite job in media, but in this industry, that would be plain dumb.
What’s your proudest professional moment?
Having the conviction and the courage to get on a plane, with a young family in tow, to move to a country that I had barely set foot in, to start an agency with no clients, no staff and no office and making it work.
And your most cringe-worthy?
Too many to mention but happy to admit to them all. You don’t learn much from doing everything ‘right’.
Who do you think is the best strategist in Australia and/or the world?
I have watched enough reality TV shows to know that if you are ever asked “who do you think is going to win” you should always say … me.
